Euro 2016: Croatia Shock Spain to Top Group, Turkey Gets Lifeline

Ivan Perisic scored at the death to give Croatia a 2-1 win over Spain that condemned the defending European champions to a heavyweight last 16 clash against Italy.


Spain must now beat Italy in a rematch of the 2012 final if they are to achieve a record third successive European Championship title after sliding to defeat against Croatia in Bordeaux.

Vicente Del Bosque’s men just needed to avoid defeat to secure top spot in Group D, and they looked to be cruising towards a last-16 tie with a third-place team from Group B, E or F when Alvaro Moratta struck in the 7th minute.

Ramos blew a second-half penalty
But Croatia showed good spirit despite the absence of injured playmaker Luka Modric, and Fiorentina striker Nikola Kalinic flicked home an equaliser on the stroke of halftime.

The tempo dropped in the second-half before La Roja were offered a penalty when David Silva was adjudged tripped in the box, but Spain captain Sergio Ramos saw his weak spot-kick saved by Danijel Subasic, and it cost his side dearly as Perisic struck a winner three minutes from time to fire Croatia through to the knockout rounds as group winners.

With Italy guaranteed to finish top of Group E, Spain will have to beat their old rivals and then possibly world champions Germany to reach the semifinals.

Elsewhere in Group D, Turkey beat Czech Republic 2-0 through goals from Burak Yilmaz and Ozan Tufan, to keep alive their very slim hopes of reaching the next round as one of four best third-placed teams.

Fatih Terim’s men now need Sweden and the Republic of Ireland to drop points against Belgium and Italy in Group E on Wednesday.

Northern Ireland qualified despite losing 1-0 to Germany
Meanwhile, Mario Gomez struck the only goal as Germany recorded a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Paris to ensure Joachim Loew’s men advance as Group C winners, with Poland through as runners-up following a 1-0 win over Ukraine.

Even Northern Ireland became one of the six latest nations through, stealing one of four spots for the best third placed finishers.

OJPals, what do you think? Sound off below!

@OJ’s Blog EXCLUSIVE

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